CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija – The Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office (NEPPO) on Wednesday said the proposed anti-terrorism bill shall give the police a clear and stronger backbone and tool in fighting terrorism.
Col. Leon Victor Rosete, provincial director, said the proposed measure will provide solid legal foundations to protect the community from extremism and terrorism.
"It will also protect the rights of accused of the crime to have the due process of law since the bill requires law enforcement agencies to notify in writing concerned court, Commission on Human Rights and Anti-Terrorism Council, whenever terror suspects are detained," Rosete said in a statement.
He said the proposed measure provides the police enough time to thoroughly probe and gather evidence against terror suspects with its 14-day reglementary period as compared to the 36 hours of detention under the present Human Security Act (HSA).
"It also reinforces police powers of surveillance, arrest, and detention but limits the chances of terrorists to escape due to the inability of (the) police to complete the required evidence in courts," he added.
Meanwhile, NEPPO personnel are now being readied for training to properly implement the proposed bill once it is enacted into law, and for conducting public information and awareness activities on its provisions so that no abuses would happen.
Rosete said the NEPPO personnel support the bill as they aim to protect this province and the entire country against communist-terrorist groups and extremists.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III said the proposed measure has been officially transmitted to Malacañang on Tuesday for President Rodrigo Duterte's action.
Sotto said he and House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano signed the bill Monday night and transmitted it to the Palace for President Rodrigo Duterte's signature. (PNA)
